PARENT INFORMATION

Occupational Therapy Screening Service

While most children cope well with the various social and learning pportunities of Preschool, some children, for a range of reasons, find it difficult to master the skills required for them to participate in their Preschool program in a successful, confident, independent and productive way. Occupational Therapists can often assist in the process of identifying any particular issues that may interfere with a child’s development, learning and participation.

Beginning in 2010 we have engaged the services of an OT to come into the kinder (and with your permission) observe the children to help identify any particular issues that may interfere with a child’s development, learning and participation.

Early intervention is the key to addressing any concerns to mimimise impact on long term development. An Occupational therapy screening or assessment and short or long-term intervention can contribute to the child’s development, preparation for school and ability to engage in life in a way that brings them success, happiness, friends and fun.

Initial screening will be a free service offered to all children at East Beaumaris Preschool.

A permission form will be sent home and a report will be prepared for each family who has given their consent for their child to be observed as part of this process. The report will either advise that there was nothing of concern observed or advising of any areas that may need further assessment. If further assessment is advised you can then chose to either engage an OT privately or through public (free or means-tested) services such as Specialist Children’s Services and Central Bayside Community Health Service, as well as various funding programs being available to support children with particular diagnoses, such as Autism Spectrum Disorders, to access private services. Read more...